The Groundtruth from a combat veteran, backed up by independent research and historical study. Information beneficial to the Troops. And a touch of objective politics, as it relates to the subjects at hand.

This site is unabashedly Pro-American and Pro-Military however none of the views expressed here are to be considered as endorsed, proposed, or supported by the Department of Defense or any other Agency, government, public, or private. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/

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Shadow of the Sword

SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2009 – “Reach Out and
Read,” an early childhood literacy organization, has secured more than
$1 million in Defense Department funding to expand its military
initiative on military bases across the country.

The national,
nonprofit program promotes early literacy during routine pediatric care
by having volunteers read aloud in waiting rooms. Providers also offer
tips to parents about the importance of reading aloud to children.

An MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aircraft prepares for take off in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Predator provides integrated and synchronized close-air operations, to include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Sabrina Johnson)

HIT, Iraq-Hit General Hospital’s director, Dr. Yaseen Hammody Assaf (left) leads members of the hospital assessment team from RCT-8 and Multi-National Forces West on tour of the hospital. Although Hit General does not have all the tools and equipment its workers need, the hospital staff is still working hard to offer adequate care to its patients., Lance Cpl. Alan Addison, 2/17/2009 11:02 PM

WASHINGTON - American Forces Press Service reporter Fred W. Baker III writes about his experiences in Afghanistan, where he is embeded with a provincial reconstruction team and an infantry unit.

To say that Paktia province needs better roads is a bone-rattling understatement.

I took a ride north of the forward operating base here this week to the district of Sayed Karem with the civil affairs section of the provincial reconstruction team for a meeting with the sub-governor, and to deliver some food, clothes, blankets and other winter supplies to needy families there.

It is about a 25-mile trip, but bumping along the narrow dirt road took nearly two hours. Back at home I commute about 45 miles one way to work, and I gripe when traffic is bad and the drive takes an hour. My 90-mile daily round trip here would take most of the day.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft moves into position to receive fuel
from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission over Afghanistan. A-10s
provide top cover and close-air support to coalition forces in
Afghanistan and Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway)

WASHINGTON - Despite dangers U.S. convoys face in delivering supplies to coalition forces in Afghanistan by way of Pakistan, military operations there aren't susceptible to those threats, the Defense Department's top uniformed logistician said on Feb. 25.

Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, ensured members of the House Armed Services Joint Air and Land Forces and the Air Power and Expeditionary Forces subcommittees that troops get what they need, because his command doesn't rely on one option or system of resupply.

"My job that you've given to us is to make sure we get supplies through regardless of the attacks, because you don't want to make this a vulnerability," McNabb said. "And I, quite frankly, I don't think it is. With the tools you all have given us, we have lots of options to get the equipment [troops] need in."

About 75 percent of the U.S. supplies troops there receive are delivered via ground convoy hundreds of miles from the Pakistani port city of Karachi to Peshawar in northwestern Pakistan and then through the Khyber Pass into Afghanistan.

From a logistical perspective, Afghanistan isn't the ideal place for conflict because the

It has been leaked that Obama will settle for a "19 Month Withdrawal" timeframe from Iraq, but when the doublespeak of politicians is accounted for, it is a 36 month withdrawal. The AP reports that Obama will keep most Troops in Iraq through 2009 and into 2010 and about a third in Iraq up until the 2011 timeframe negotiated by the Bush Administration with the Iraqi Government.

This is in contradiction to the Obama Campaign promise but aside from the purposeful political marketing and doublespeak, not necessarily a bad decision. The campaign promise was:

"I will begin to remove our troops from Iraq immediately. I will remove one or two brigades a month and get all of our combat troops out of Iraq within 16 months. The only troops I will keep in Iraq will perform the limited missions of protecting our diplomats and carrying out targeted strikes on Al-Qaeda." - Obama, 10/02/07, Chicago, see note 1 below.

Contrast that with the policy he is scheduled to announce at Camp LeJeune on Friday(delivered as expected as of this publishing):

"The administration now considers Aug. 31, 2010, the end date for Iraq war operations." ..."That pacing suggests that although Obama's promised withdrawal will start soon, it will be backloaded, with larger numbers of troops returning later in the 18-month time frame." ..."The last of the U.S. troops are to be out of Iraq no later than Dec. 31, 2011. That's the deadline set under an agreement the two countries sealed during George W. Bush's presidency." ..."Even with the drawdown, a sizable U.S. force of 35,000 to 50,000 U.S. troops will stay in Iraq under a new mission of training, civilian protection and counterterrorism." See note 2 below.

I applaud Obama for being more responsive to the situation on the ground. 2009 will be a momentous year in Iraq with multiple elections that need the stability afforded by the presence of Our Troops. Our youngest democratic ally is still fragile.

I am not in the least surprised to see that Obama is both breaking his promises to withdraw nor that

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2009 – Young military
children who thought the first day of school was imminent may not have
to worry about reading, writing and arithmetic until next year because
of a change in entrance age requirements.

The new rule, which goes
into effect this fall with the start of the 2009-2010 school year,
requires that students reach the pre-established age by

In this editionCivilian injured during escalation of force incident near Sangin bazaar

ANP, Coalition Forces maintain pressure in Kandahar and Khowst

Commandos disrupt
militant activities in Kandahar

A-10 Unit Reaches 10,000 Hour Milestone

Civilian injured during escalation of force incident near Sangin bazaar

KABUL,
Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) injured a
local man during an escalation of force incident 22 February.

A
combined Afghan National Army (ANA) and ISAF security patrol was moving
through Sangin District Centre 22 February, and as the patrol passed
under the Sangin Flyover it was attacked by a suicide bomber detonating
his device directly in their path.

Goodwill tournament held in
Oruzgan

February 27, 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan – The game is called
Do-Rah. For some, it was the chance to see a familiar game played against other
villagers from across Deh Rawod. For others, it was the opportunity of a
lifetime to watch a sport rarely seen by foreigners. For everyone involved, it
was the opportunity to bring communities together in a way only a sports
tournament can.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Earlier, we reported the decision of the Secretary of Defense in regards to the Media's insistence at being able to photograph the "human cost of war." Robert Gates demonstrated that he is a politician in making his decision. He chose to make a policy of compromise that sounds reasonable on the surface. I agree that the families should be afforded final decision on the media's attempt to politicize their loss in a time of grief.

“I have decided that the decision regarding media coverage of the dignified transfer process at Dover should be made by those most directly affected -- on an individual basis -- by the families of the fallen,” Gates said at a Pentagon news conference.

The new policy sounds like it affords the family that opportunity, but it has a negative embedded in it, one which Secretary Gates either did not realize or chose to ignore for the sake of political expediency. Because I generally respect SecDef Gates, I'm going to assume he simply didn't think this through, but that's why WE pay him, to think his decisions through, before he commits to them.

Basrah Forensic Lab Gets CSI Upgrade

BASRAH — Crime scene investigators here are now working in a modernized forensic laboratory thanks to a $263,000 renovation, completed Feb. 22.

“I’m very pleased with the new capabilities our renovated Basrah Criminal Evidence Department Laboratory offers,” said Iraqi Police Capt. Bassim. “This is the first time in ten years our facility has been upgraded.”

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Holsey is the first amputee accepted into the U.S. Army Warrant Officer School. Holsey, who lost his leg following a roadside bomb explosion in Iraq, is to report to the school at Fort Rucker, Ala., in April 2009. Courtesy photo

By Navy Lt. Jennifer CraggSpecial to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2009 – The U.S. Army Warrant Officer School soon will welcome a new accession of warrant officers this spring, and one will bring with him a new perspective to the Army officer corps.

Staff Sgt. Johnathan Holsey became the first amputee accepted by the Warrant Officer School in Fort Rucker, Ala., where he is to report in April. He is currently assigned to Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Va.

Along with other wounded warriors, he’s scheduled to be a guest on today's "Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Holsey was injured Nov. 11, 2004, in Iraq where he was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 503rd

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2009 – The Defense
Department will allow the news media to photograph the flag-draped
caskets of fallen U.S. troops returning home if their families agree,
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.

The announcement
authorizes family members to choose whether to allow media access to
the homecomings at Dover Air Force Base, Del., reversing a
long-standing policy barring the press.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GARDEZ, Afghanistan - In a recent meeting in downtown Gardez City with local government officials, Army Lt. Col. Donald Cullison struck an unintentional pose that symbolizes coalition efforts in eastern Afghanistan.

In one hand he held a steaming cup of chai tea, a local gesture of hospitality and friendship. His other hand draped across the M-4 rifle resting in his lap.

What appears a dichotomy is the balance coalition forces must strike as they promise both security and development in a country ravaged by war and racked with poverty -- its people torn between supporting a deeply ingrained insurgency offering survival, or a shaky, upstart government that promises hope for the future.

And somewhere in that balance is where coalition forces hope to find victory on this battlefield that

WASHINGTON — Almost two months after the new status-of-forces and strategic framework agreements took effect in Iraq, a brigade commander in Baghdad Monday reported record-low violence as Iraqi Security Forces assume ever-increasing responsibilities.

The winners of the 2008 All Army Photography Contest have been announced, and now it's up to AKO users to choose the "best of show."

Out of 3,110 submitted world-wide by deployed Soldiers, Guard, Reserve Soldiers, Army civilians and their family members, 1,716 entries were forwarded from the Army garrisons to the Department of Army level for last year's competition.

A 12-hour day was needed for three judges to study and discuss the considerable talent, wide variety of styles and high quality of the images in order to present 76 photographers a total of 112 awards.

The winning entries may be viewed at the contest website at https://artscrafts.fmwrc.army.mil. Log in with your AKO user name and password and select "Gallery of Winners" under "Contest Winners" on

In this file photo, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adrienne Brammer documents a joint patrol between U.S. and Iraqi Army Soldiers in Muhandiseen, Oct. 30, 2008. Photo by Staff Sgt. JoAnn S. Makinano, U.S. Air Forces Central.

Combat Camera Troops Record History

SATHER AIR BASE — When thinking of the word combat, many have visions of fire fights, violent conflicts and warfare. For a few Airmen and Soldiers, the word combat means being armed with a camera.

For these members of the Multi-National Corps - Iraq C39 Joint Combat Camera (ComCam) team, based out of Baghdad, taking still and motion imagery isn’t just a hobby … it is their mission.

“My job documents history in the making and shows folks at home what’s going on here,” said Staff Sgt. Joann Makinano, MNC-I combat photojournalist. “We are unfiltered and unbiased. What we see is what you get.”

Job Opportunities Abound for Sons of Iraq

Thursday, 26 February 2009

Multi-National Corps – Iraq Release

BAGHDAD — The Government of Iraq (GoI) and Coalition forces will complete the transfer of the Sons of Iraq (SoI) security volunteers to Iraqi control by April, and officials say they now are focused on transitioning the men into jobs and educational programs.

Before
entering the Marine Corps it seemed like nothing fazed me. I grew up in
a town where the community was plagued with everything from guns and
drugs to drunk driving and robberies. I thought I had seen it all.

Standing on the yellow footprints on Parris Island, S.C., I discovered that I needed more than my tough persona.

Coalition
troops care for people of Oruzgan

February 26, 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan – The
hope for a healthier life grows strong in Deh Rawod District, Oruzgan Province,
thanks to troops from multiple nations dedicated to the medical well-being of
the Afghan people.

Col. Mark Horn
places a rosette by 1st Lt. Raymond Pascuel's name signifying he is no
longer missing in action Feb. 20 at the Henri-Chapelle Cemetery and
Memorial in Belgium. Lieutenant Pascuel was a New York native and one
of nine men with the McMurray Crew in the Army Air Corps, who flew a
B-24 bomber during World War II. Colonel Horn is the U.S. national
military representative to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.
(U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Kathleen Polesnak)

U.S.
CONGRESS: Pelosi Statement Following Meeting With Admiral Fitzgerald,
U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa U.S.
Africa Command, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, Support Peacekeeping
Center in Ghana U.N.
Peace Building Shows Progress in Sierra Leone APS
Brings Together Senegalese Special Forces and U.S. MarinesCJTF-HOA
Reaches Out to Ethiopians During Medical Civic Action ProjectCitizen
Soldiers Support U.S. Army AfricaAPS
Running Mates Program Builds Long-Term RelationshipsAPS
Departs Senegal for Ghana

Senior Airman
Ryan Ott looks over an F-22 Raptor canopy before installation Feb. 18
at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The Raptors are on a deployment from
Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, to Andersen. The base has received 12 of the
$140 million dollar aircraft, and more than 250 Airmen as the Pacific's
theater security package. As part of the continuing force posture
adjustments to address worldwide requirements, the United States
continues to deploy additional forces like the F-22 throughout the
Western Pacific. This is the latest example of the flexibility U.S.
forces have to meet their ongoing commitments and security obligations
throughout the Pacific region. Airman Ott is an egress technician
deployed from Elmendorf AFB and assigned to 36th Expeditionary
Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kevin J.
Gruenwald)

Military Veterans Need New Policies to Help Service-Related Asbestos Disease

Out of the millions of brave military veterans who have given service to their country, hundreds of thousands were exposed to asbestos. Used throughout the 20th century in many industries, asbestos gained immense popularity because of its innate flame resistant, durable and versatile qualities. It made it an ideal choice for many military applications. The value of asbestos was so high that did not get phased out until the 1970’s.

Asbestos use greatly impacted the Navy. Prior to World War II, many shipyards in the country constructed their vessels in hopes of creating the largest naval fleet in the world. While they succeeded in their goals, asbestos use was large and rapid. Shipyard workers, sailors and tradesman aboard these ships were wrongfully exposed aboard navigation rooms, sleeping quarters and mess halls.These shipyards were vital in efforts to build and repair ships on the west and east coasts of the country. The military also used asbestos as insulation aircraft, vehicles and buildings.

Although asbestos exposure does not always lead to an illness, frequent and long term

Service members who have been medically separated since September 11, 2001
will have the opportunity to have their disability ratings reviewed to ensure
fairness and accuracy.

The new Physical Disability Board of Review
(PDBR) will examine each applicant’s medical separation, compare DoD and VA
ratings, and make a recommendation to the respective Service Secretary (or
designee.) A disability rating cannot be lowered and any change to the rating is
effective on the date of final decision by the Service Secretary.

To
be eligible for PDBR review, a service member must have been medically separated
between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2009 with a combined disability
rating of 20 percent or less, and not found eligible for retirement.

There are significant differences between this new PDBR review and a Board
for Correction of Military (or Naval) Record (BCMR/BCNR) review. These
differences are outlined here and are also
in the instructions accompanying the application (form DD-294).

While the Air Force is the lead for
the PDBR process, case tracking and reporting, a joint service board will
conduct the evaluation and review of each case. Applicants will not be able to
appear in person, but may include any statements, briefs, medical records or
other supporting documents with their application. After the document review is
completed and a final decision is made, each applicant will be notified of the
decision and any further information regarding a change of rating.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

090105-1234Z-N-032: A team of Navy Seabees pours concrete for the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Memorial on Bagram Airfield. The Seabees are members of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7, Task Force Sierra, Detachment 4.

The conference was hosted by Army commanders of Task Force (TF) Spartan and included members of the Afghan National Army (ANA), Afghan National Police (ANP), Logar Czech Republic Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), Wardak Turkish PRT, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Provincial Governors Attiqullah Ludin of Logar and Mohammed Halim Fidai of Wardak arrived for the last day of the conference.

Afghanistan

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Delta Bravo Sierra

Volume 1

For a few bucks more you can get a signed copy from the author himself! http://www.deltabravosierra.us/2011/02/10/a-word-about-the-new-book/comment-page-1/#comment-3383
Get your copy of this legendary cartoon now (or wait a few days for the signed copy!)

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Profound Classics

Ace Of Spades: Why Language MattersIn this article, Ace of Spades demonstrates how the writing style of "journalists" and other writers is purposely used to influence the electorate. He explains this far better than I have been able to do, but this is the foundation of why I could no longer be silent.